Swiss tennis sensation Belinda Bencic made a triumphant return to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, securing her second title at the tournament and reaffirming her place among the elite in women's tennis. This landmark victory is even more special as it marks her first WTA title since returning from maternity leave, an inspiring feat that showcases her resilience and dedication to the sport.
Bencic, the tournament’s 2023 champion, displayed exceptional skill, strategy, and mental toughness to overcome American rising star Ashlyn Krueger in the final. After losing the first set 4-6, Bencic staged a remarkable comeback, dominating the next two sets 6-1, 6-1 to claim the championship.
Match Highlights: Bencic’s Grit and Precision
Final Score: Bencic def. Krueger 4-6, 6-1, 6-1
Match Duration: 2 hours and 23 minutes
Key Stats:
- Aces: Bencic - 6 | Krueger - 4
- Break Points Converted: Bencic - 5/7 | Krueger - 1/4
- First Serve Win %: Bencic - 72% | Krueger - 58%
The Swiss star started off on the back foot, losing the opening set as Krueger dictated points aggressively. However, Bencic quickly adjusted her strategy, increasing her accuracy on returns and forcing errors from her opponent.
In the final two sets, she dominated the baseline exchanges, breaking Krueger’s serve five times and winning an impressive 72% of first-serve points. Her court coverage and intelligent shot placement proved too much for the young American, sealing her victory in style.
A Milestone Moment for Bencic
Bencic’s victory in Abu Dhabi is more than just another title—it is a testament to her determination and ability to return to the highest level of competition after becoming a mother.
Bencic on her comeback:
"Winning this title means so much to me. Coming back after maternity leave was never going to be easy, but I wanted to prove to myself that I could still compete at the highest level. Having my family and daughter in the crowd made it even more special."
Her performance in Abu Dhabi signals that she is once again a serious contender on the WTA Tour, with her sights set on further success in 2025, including the Grand Slams and the Paris Olympics.
The Growing Prestige of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has quickly established itself as a key tournament in the WTA calendar, attracting top-ranked players and rising stars. This year’s edition saw fierce competition, with Bencic defeating several strong opponents on her way to the title.
Past Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Champions:
2023: Belinda Bencic (Switzerland)
2024: Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)
2025: Belinda Bencic (Switzerland)
What’s Next for Bencic?
With this confidence-boosting victory, Bencic is expected to make a strong push in upcoming WTA events. Her next target will likely be the Dubai Tennis Championships, followed by the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells & Miami Open).
As she regains top form, fans are eager to see if she can translate her Abu Dhabi success into Grand Slam glory later this season